Embrace the comfort of baking with these Cozy Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies, affectionately known as Rainy Day Cookies. This recipe is a delightful amalgamation of flavors and textures, combining the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter with the salty crunch of pretzels and the sweet, melty goodness of chocolate chips and caramels. Perfect for those drizzly afternoons or whenever you crave a comforting treat, these cookies offer a satisfying bite that’s both heartwarming and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This:
These cookies are a culinary hug in cookie form. The process of browning the butter adds a depth of flavor that makes these cookies stand out, while the peanut butter infuses them with a creamy richness. The addition of crushed pretzels and caramels introduces an irresistible contrast of textures, making each bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple joy, these cookies are sure to brighten any day.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for cozy indoor gatherings, lazy weekend treats, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are versatile and loved by all ages. They’re particularly fitting for rainy days, bringing warmth and sweetness to gray afternoons. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies, or dip half of each cookie in chocolate and allow to set. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes can enhance the flavors and add a gourmet twist. To make these cookies even more visually appealing, garnish with a few whole pretzel pieces or mini chocolate chips after baking.
Ingredients:
- 7 tablespoons (100g) of butter without salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) of peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) of brown sugar, light
- 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar, white
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) of flour for all purposes
- ½ teaspoon of soda for baking
- ½ teaspoon of powder for baking
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2/3 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of pretzels, crushed
- 5 pieces of caramels, chopped
Method:
- Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns amber with brown specks. Remove from heat.
- Stir peanut butter into the browned butter and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Whisk both sugars into the butter mixture.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
- In a different bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and caramel pieces.
- Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to 2 days, or scoop onto a tray to chill.
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place scoops of dough (about 3 tablespoons each) on the baking sheet, allowing room for spreading.
- Optional: Spread melted peanut butter on each dough scoop and top with extra chocolate chips and pretzel bits.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn golden.
- For perfectly round cookies, immediately use a larger circle cutter to shape them after baking.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.
Dive into the pleasure of baking and indulging in these Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies, a comforting treat designed to make any rainy day or moment much sweeter. Enjoy!
